Explain Women Bonded Labour.

Women bonded labor refers to the exploitation of women who are forced to work under oppressive and coercive conditions to repay debts or obligations. In this system, women are often trapped in cycles of debt bondage, where they have little or no control over their working conditions, wages, or freedom of movement.

Key characteristics of women bonded labor include:

1. Economic Exploitation: Women are often lured into bonded labor due to poverty, lack of economic opportunities, or deceptive promises of employment. They may be forced to work in agriculture, brick kilns, garment factories, or domestic settings without proper compensation.

2. Debt Bondage: Women are typically bonded to employers or creditors through debts that are impossible to repay due to exploitative interest rates or fraudulent accounting. This bondage often extends to multiple generations, perpetuating cycles of exploitation.

3. Lack of Rights: Women in bonded labor have limited or no access to basic rights and protections. They are vulnerable to physical and sexual abuse, denial of healthcare, education, and other essential services.

4. Social Stigma: Women in bonded labor often face social stigma and marginalization, which further isolates them from seeking help or escaping their predicament.

5. Legal Protections: Many countries have laws against bonded labor, but enforcement remains weak, especially in informal and unregulated sectors where women are most vulnerable.

Addressing women bonded labor requires comprehensive measures including legal reforms, enforcement of labor laws, economic empowerment programs, and social support systems to ensure the rights and dignity of women workers are protected and upheld.